Thoughts, suggestions, and advice on success for managers, sales professionals and entrepreneurs.

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Monday, August 12, 2013

Information Giving or Gathering?

This joke was told to me at a cocktail party ... and that's probably where it should have stayed ... but ... if you have the right crew, it might just work as an opener for your next sales meeting.

An Italian
Boy’s Confession

"Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have been with a
loose girl."

The priest asks, "Is that you, little Joey Pagano?"

"Yes, Father, it is."

"And who
was the girl you were with?"

"I can't
tell you, Father, I don't want to ruin her reputation."

"Well,
Joey, I'm sure to find out her name sooner or later so you may as well tell me
now. Was it Tina Minetti?"

"I cannot
say."

"Was it
Teresa Mazzarelli?"

"I'll
never tell."

"Was it
Nina Capelli?"

"I'm
sorry, but I cannot name her."

"Was it
Cathy Piriano?"

"My lips
are sealed Father.'

'Well
then, was it Rosa DiAngelo?"

"Please, Father, I cannot tell you."

The priest
sighs in frustration. "You're very tight lipped, and I admire that. But you've
sinned and have to atone. You cannot be an altar boy now for 4 months. Now you
go and behave yourself."

Joey walks
back to his pew, and his friend Franco slides over and whispers, "What'd you
get?"

"Four month's vacation and five excellent leads."

Definitely not appropriate for all groups ... but if this type of approach will appeal (and not insult or otherwise disturb) your crew, it can kick off a discussion of how you are getting leads, where are you getting leads from and are you exhausting all opportunities to develop well-qualified leads.